Deductive, Inductive, and Abductive Reasoning

This type of reasoning begins with a general rule or fact and then creates specific conclusions based on the general fact. The specific ideas will be correct as long as the general idea is true.

• Abductive

• Deductive

• Inductive

All birds lay eggs. Penguins lay eggs. Emus lay eggs. Penguins and emus are birds.

• Deductive

• Inductive

• Abductive

To graduate from the university, students need to earn 40 credits. James is graduating next week. Therefore, James earned 40 credits.

• Deductive

• Abductive

• Inductive

This type of reasoning seeks to find an explanation. It is about thinking of a possible cause to an effect. It may or may not be correct.

• Abductive

• Deductive

• Inductive

Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning?

• All birds can fly. A penguin is a bird. Therefore, a penguin can fly.

• All mammals have lungs. A whale is a mammal. Therefore, a whale has lungs.

• Some dogs are brown. My dog is brown. Therefore, all dogs are brown.

• I saw a swan and it was white. Therefore, all swans are white.

Answer explanation

The correct choice demonstrates deductive reasoning by applying a general rule (all mammals have lungs) to a specific case (a whale is a mammal), leading to a valid conclusion (a whale has lungs).

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is deductive reasoning?

• Reasoning from specific cases to general principles

• Reasoning from general principles to specific cases

• Reasoning based on assumptions

• Reasoning based on emotions

Answer explanation

Deductive reasoning involves starting with general principles and applying them to specific cases. This contrasts with inductive reasoning, which moves from specific instances to broader generalizations.

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall

This type of reasoning starts with smaller facts or examples that lead to larger, general conclusions. The bigger, general conclusion may or may not be true.

• Abductive

• Deductive

• Inductive

All actors in the Harry Potter movies are from the United Kingdom. Emma Watson plays Hermione in the Harry Potter series. Emma Watson is from the UK.

• Abductive

• Inductive

• Deductive

4 out of 5 times I beat Corey at pool, and I'm going to play him tomorrow. So, I'll very likely win.

• Deductive

• Abductive

• Inductive

The table next to me at Panera has a bowl of soup on it, but no one is sitting there. Maybe they are in the restroom and will return soon.

• Abductive

• Deductive

• Inductive